Walking & Hiking

From advice on where to walk and hiking, whether it’s for pleasure or fitness to how to train for long distance. Staying fit or recovering from injuries along with reviews, expert advice on a wide range of walking and hiking equipment, nutrition and exercise plans.

Google Street View Goes Vertical and goes climbing

Google Street View Goes Vertical and goes climbing

Google is heading for new heights with its Street View capabilities giving web users the opportunity to 'climb' Yosemite's El Capitan. El Capitan is one of the most famous climbs in the world. A vertical slab of rock, it takes great skill and experience to reach the top and to see the legendary panoramic views. Now thanks to Google and three top climbers it's now just a click away for everyone! Earlier this year Tommy Caldwell, Alex Honnold and Lynn Hill all took part in a new project to map the 3,000ft peak…continue reading →
Get outdoors with the OS pledge to #GetOutside

Get outdoors with the OS pledge to #GetOutside

When did you last go for a proper walk? Are you one of the growing number of people in the UK becoming shy of walking? Well the OS (Ordance Survey) have launched a new campaign called #GetOutside. They what you off your sofa and out and about walking the thousands of mile of footpaths the UK countryside has to offer. Latest research shows that a quarter of the UK public won’t walk anywhere that takes over 15 minutes. Atleast three quarters of us don’t walk to work anymore.  An amazing 70% never walk…continue reading →
Yoga for Runners – Stretching To Avoid Injury

Yoga for Runners – Stretching To Avoid Injury

If you're a runner the I know two things about you, you have tight legs, and you probably don't stretch enough ;). I know this because I have been a runner for 10 years or so. I have always been a mid distance runner but have done some sprinting, but regardless of distances, we all need to stretch the same muscle groups. Over the years I have picked up a number of injures from running whether it be the results of running and over use it's self or injures from tripping over or…continue reading →
Join the Big Pathwatch – Ramblers’

Join the Big Pathwatch – Ramblers’

The Ramblers' 80th anniversary is being held this year and to celibrate this, the charity is launching an ambitious project called the Big Pathwatch. The Ramblers' goal is to survey every right of way on the OS map in England and Wales this year and release their findings next Spring. So that they can survey such a vast number of paths in such a short period of time, the charity wants  members and the general public to through on their walking shoes and help! Participants select a grid square and walk every path…continue reading →
School Holidays, are you ready for outdoor adventure? Try these 50 Things to do Before You’re 11&3/4

School Holidays, are you ready for outdoor adventure? Try these 50 Things to do Before You’re 11&3/4

In conjuction with The National Trust, say hello to the great outdoors! Crazy creatures, awesome antics, hidden treasures! Thrills, hills, sun and fun, there's everything you need for an excellent adventure this summer! The National Trust have put together a list of great challenges; the ultimate 50 things to do before you're 11 3/4 years old. Join up to the 50 things website today (it's free to join) and start your outdoors adventure today! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50things With so much stuff to do there is just no way the kids will get bored this summer!!continue reading →
How to avoid running injuries

How to avoid running injuries

There is nothing more disapointing to a runner than suffering an injury. Days, Weeks, months, and even years of training and fitness can go out the wondow if you slip on the ice, turn over your ankle, or a chronic overuse injury. I'm writing this with experience of chronic over use. Running Injured Sports scientists say between 30 and 80% of regular runners, amateur or Pro have an injury in a given year. Other fitness experts narrow that to nearly 70% of all runners will become injured at some point. The chances are,…continue reading →
A Beginner’s Guide to Walking and Hiking

A Beginner’s Guide to Walking and Hiking

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings. The photo above reminds me of the two friends Frodo and Sam as they set out from the shire on there big adventure, not knowing whats around the corner. When you think of proper walking or hiking, you probably picture a group of people with walking boots, walking sticks (ski sticks), oversized backpacks, looking…continue reading →
Essential tips for your first-time wild camping

Essential tips for your first-time wild camping

Photo above from Coleman Tents. Camping wild is something everyone should experience in my eyes, however there are some very simple gold rules to remember. Here are my top tips for wild camping to that you have a great trip and a wonderful nights sleep under the stars. 1 Where in the countryside are you allowed to wild camp in the UK? Scotland is the only location where you can legally camp in the wild. England, Wales and Northern Ireland you need to ask the landowner’s permission. However in many hills areas such…continue reading →
Holidaying with mans best friends

Holidaying with mans best friends

My dogs are very much part of my family, so why would I leave them at home when I go on holiday? Well I don't! Over the years I have spent a great deal of time hunting the internet for dog friendly holiday accommodation in the UK. Some pleaces have been good, offering just what they state on their websites. Some places very poor, saying they are dog friendly only to get there and find all sorts of restrictions. Then a few places have stood out from the crowd not only been stunning…continue reading →
Making the most of a summers evenings

Making the most of a summers evenings

Watching the warm glowing light of another days sunset spill over the horizon will make you stop for just a minute and appreciate life. You really do need to get out in the evenings this time of year and enjoy the extra light. With day light well past 10pm in Hampshire at the moment, its just a waste sitting at home. June and July produces some amazing sights if you just take a second to stop and look. With a massive array of wild flowers, bumble bees, butterflys, lady birds and so much more.…continue reading →